Properties: Pungent, extremely hot, very toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung and Liver
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Counteracts Toxic Pathogens and kills Parasites, corrodes wounds and removes putridity
Applied externally for abscess, deep rooted carbuncles, malign sores, stubborn tinea and haemorrhoids
- Eliminates Phlegm and alleviates wheezing
Taken internally for Cold-Phlegm induced asthma
Suggested Daily Dosage: 0.002-0.004g of powder internally. Externally it is best made as a compound prescription plaster.
Cautions: With strong toxicity, the dose should be strictly controlled for internal application. For external application, attention should also be paid to prevent local poisoning. It is contraindicated completely for pregnant women. It should not be used in alcoholic preparation. It should not be combined with Shui Yin according to nineteen incompatibilities.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, has been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
